Polyacetal overview Transcript

Polyacetal or POM and polybutylene terephthalate also known as PBT are covered under the engineering plastics umbrella.

POM is a crystalline plastic often used for technical applications due to its strength, ductility and good machineability. Its properties make it suitable for click connections, for example, with bicycle light holders. The material is known for its stiffness, strength and hardness up to 120 degrees Celsius, and is as elastic as many metals. It is wear-resistant and has a very low friction coefficient.

PBT is a semi-crystalline white or off-white polyester similar in composition and properties to polyethylene terephthalate, though it has slightly lower strength and stiffness. PBT is softer, but it has higher impact strength and very similar chemical resistance. It is usually preferred for industrial-scale moulding because it has quicker crystallisation. It is widely used in electronic, electrical communication fibre optic and automotive industry.

The cost of feedstock methanol influences the POM price. The PBT price is highly influenced by the raw material costs of dimethyl terephthalate and butane diol.

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Polyacetal: Market overview

Updated to Q3 2014

Negotiations for the European polyacetol (POM) Q3 contract price are expected to be tough, with suppliers pushing for increases, but admitting rises cannot be significant. Buyers, on the other hand, are looking to secure rollovers.

European polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) suppliers do not plan pushing for price increases in their Q3 negotiations as the market is fairly balanced. No significant changes are expected in the third quarter of the year.

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Methodology

Polyacetal or POM is a crystalline plastic often used for technical applications due to its strength, ductility (ability to be drawn into threads without breaking) and good machinability. Its properties make it suitable for click connections (e.g. bicycle lamp holders). The material is known for its stiffness, strength and hardness up to 120ºC, and is as elastic as many metals. It is wear resistant and has a very low friction coefficient. The colour is opaque white, and carbon black can be added to protect the product from UV-light.

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